The year 2013 is likely to be a great one for professionals working in research and development and quality assurance as FMCG companies are expected to hire 700 people in the field during January-April, according to a report by global staffing and recruitment firm.

“It is estimated that approximately 700 new openings will get created in the January-April period for professionals possessing skills in Quality and R&D.

"This is seen as a booming opportunity for people working in the traditional domestic set-up to scale up their career graph and enhance it with better exposure and international opportunities available with MNCs," a trend analysis report released by Gi Group said.

Of the estimated numbers, approximately 20 per cent are likely to be recruited for mid-management and above level, it said. Explaining this sudden spurt, Gi Group, India CEO Asim Handa said the companies having key overseas market in the Asia Pacific region plan to build domestic manufacturing set- up in order to reduce excise or import or export duties.

For most of these global manufacturers, India is emerging as a favourite destination to set-up a new unit, which will support their local distribution plan, he said.

The initial team that is built for a manufacturing set-up, especially in consumer goods, comprises professionals in product development, quality assurance, supplier assurance and likewise, he said.

"Companies which plan to invest in India are looking at the country becoming their sourcing hub for rest of the international locations, courtesy its supreme connectivity

within the Asia Pacific territory. Also, the investment announcements made last year are expected to see initial implementation in 2013," Handa said.

The report further said pan India talent search will be undertaken to recruit for key positions that is likely to give an opportunity for potential candidates to shift their base to a new city.

Companies may identify ideal candidates from domestic FMCG giants and MNCs, with funding from their headquarters, are expected to offer a hike up to 60 per cent for the best candidate, it said adding the average hike is estimated at 30-35 per cent.

Many staffing opportunities are likely to open up in the procurement function as well, it said.

North is likely to witness more openings for R&D, Quality & Procurement as most of the big companies plan to set up manufacturing plants in the this part of the country.

States like Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh are expected to witness relatively high openings in